John 19:33

33 When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead so they didn't break his legs.

John 19:33 Meaning and Commentary

John 19:33

But when they came to Jesus
Whom they passed by before, and now returned to; this they did not out of tenderness to him, but that he might be the longer in his torture, and whom they reserved till last, that they might use him with the greater cruelty and barbarity:

and saw that he was dead already;
as they might, from the bowing down of his head, the ghastliness of his countenance, the falling of his jaws, and other signs:

they brake not his legs;
there being no occasion for it, nor would it have answered any end, were they ever so spiteful and malicious against him; though the true reason was, and which restrained them from it, divine providence would not suffer them to do it.

John 19:33 In-Context

31 It was the Preparation Day and the Jewish leaders didn't want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath, especially since that Sabbath was an important day. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of those crucified broken and the bodies taken down.

32 Therefore, the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men who were crucified with Jesus.

33 When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead so they didn't break his legs.

34 However, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

35 The one who saw this has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he speaks the truth, and he has testified so that you also can believe.